Severe esophageal injury after radiofrequency ablation - a deadly complication

Esophageal image segmentation for guidance of posterior wall lesions during atrial fibrillation ablation

BACKGROUND

Despite luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring, esophageal injury remains a risk which impacts decision making during atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. We sought to compare procedural characteristics including radiofrequency (RF) power, duration, and LET, among ablation procedures with and without image segmentation for esophageal visualization (EV).

METHODS

The retrospective cohort included 73 patients (mean age 65.2 ± 8.6 years, 36% female, 55% paroxysmal AF) who underwent pre-procedural cardiac magnetic resonance or computed tomography and LET monitoring. Of all patients, 35 were historical patients that underwent standard AF ablation without EV, and 38 were contemporary patients, 28 of whom underwent AF ablation with EV and 10 that underwent AF ablation without EV.

RESULTS

Total RF time was similar between the groups. The distribution of ablation power delivery was skewed toward higher power in the contemporary patients. However, among patients in the contemporary group, the proportion of > 35 Watts lesions was lower with EV (P < 0.001). There was no difference between the max or mean LET. The standard deviation of LET change within patient during posterior wall ablation was lower in those with esophageal visualization compared to historical controls, but no change was seen compared to a smaller group of contemporary controls. No long-term clinical esophageal injury was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

In a retrospective analysis, EV was successfully performed in 28 patients. EV impacted RF power delivery decisions but was unassociated with RF time, changes in LET, or long-term safety.

Esophageal Perforation Following Radiofrequency Catheter Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: A Conservative Approach

Esophageal perforation following radiofrequency catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation (AF) is a rare and potentially deadly complication. Here, we report a case with successful conservative management of esophageal perforation following AF ablation demonstrating how surgery is not always required in properly selected patients.

Esophagopericardial Fistula Following Radiofrequency Ablation for Atrial Fibrillation: Insights Into Its Management

An esophagopericardial fistula developed in a 33-year-old patient after radiofrequency ablation for atrial fibrillation. He was initially managed with an esophageal repair and a left atrial bovine pericardial patch and eventually an esophagectomy. At 6-month follow up he had no symptoms. The case highlights the complexities of managing this life-threatening complication. (Level of Difficulty: Advanced.)

Atrial Fibrillation in Athletes-Features of Development, Current Approaches to the Treatment, and Prevention of Complications

Atrial fibrillation (AF) is one of the most common types of cardiac arrhythmias. This review article highlights the problem of the development of atrial fibrillation in individuals engaged in physical activity and sports. Predisposing factors, causes, and development mechanisms of atrial fibrillation in athletes from the perspective of the authors are described. Methods of treatment, as well as prevention of thromboembolic complications, are discussed. Directions for further studies of this problem and prevention of complications are proposed.

Radiofrequency ablation-induced esophageal perforation

Esophageal perforation (EP) can be a complication of radiofrequency ablation, a standard treatment for certain patients with drug-refractory atrial fibrillation. This article discusses the etiology, clinical manifestations, and diagnosis of EP, as well as nursing care for patients with EP.